Leasowes Primary School Review 2026: Elite Academic Standards in Stafford

Leasowes Primary School occupies a prominent position in the Weeping Cross area of Stafford, serving a community that clearly values the school's long standing reputation for academic excellence. This two form entry school, catering for approximately 420 pupils plus a thriving nursery, manages to combine the scale of a larger primary with a focused learning environment.

The school's performance remains very strong. According to current FindMySchool data, Leasowes ranks 376th out of 14,978 schools in England for primary academic outcomes and 200th overall. Within the Stafford area, it holds the 1st position among local primaries. Leadership under Mrs Gemma Bettany, who has been in post as Headteacher since 2018, has maintained the high expectations that saw the school achieve an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in its most recent full inspection in January 2024.

The atmosphere at Leasowes is one of quiet, industrious calm. Located on Porlock Avenue, the school sits within a residential pocket of Stafford where the morning drop-off is a communal event. The physical environment is well maintained, with clear signage and displays that celebrate pupil achievement across the curriculum.

There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff and pupils alike. The school operates with a clear structure where expectations for behaviour and effort are understood from the nursery upwards. Inspectors from Ofsted recently described the school as an exceptional and vibrant place where pupils thrive. This is not an exam factory; rather, it is a school where the culture of high achievement is woven into the daily routine.

The leadership team is visible and engaged. Mrs Bettany is supported by a stable governing body and the South East Stafford Academy Trust. The school's values of respect, aspiration, enjoyment, courage, collaboration, and love are not just slogans but are actively lived out in the classroom and playground.

The 2024-25 / 2025 KS2 results tell a compelling story of success. At Leasowes, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, based on a cohort of 64.

The depth of achievement remains a strength. At the higher standard, 20% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing and mathematics combined. This level of performance indicates that a meaningful group of pupils is working securely above age related expectations.

Subject specific performance is equally robust. In mathematics, 100% of pupils reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 111. Reading saw an average scaled score of 109, with 90% meeting the expected standard. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) achieved an average score of 114, with 70% of pupils reaching the high score threshold. These figures confirm the school's status as a strong primary performer both locally and in England.

Teaching at Leasowes is characterised by high level subject knowledge and a structured approach to lesson delivery. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, moving pupils beyond the basic requirements of the national framework. The school uses a Rooted in Reading approach, with a Library Learning Hub at the centre of the school building to encourage reading for pleasure.

In the early years, the integrated nursery provision provides a seamless transition into Reception. The focus here is on early literacy and numeracy, with practitioners using a variety of multisensory approaches to engage young learners. As pupils move through the school, the challenge increases. Science is a clear strength, with 90% of pupils meeting the expected standard in the 2024-25 / 2025 dataset.

The school uses data effectively to track progress, ensuring that no pupil falls behind. Small group interventions and targeted support are used for those who need a boost, while those working at greater depth are consistently challenged through more complex problem solving and critical thinking tasks.

As a primary school, the majority of pupils progress to local secondary schools within Stafford. Given the school's academic profile, many pupils are well prepared for the transition to secondary education, with a significant number moving on to high performing local academies and secondary schools. The school maintains strong links with these providers to ensure a smooth transition for Year 6 students.

Leasowes is a school where admissions need planning. Reception entry is coordinated through Staffordshire, and for September 2027 entry the confirmed application deadline is 15 January 2027, with offers issued on 16 April 2027. Families should check the current oversubscription criteria and allocation information before relying on older applications-per-place figures.

Staffordshire County Council coordinates the admissions process. While the school does not have a formal catchment boundary, proximity to the school gate is a primary factor in the allocation of places after looked-after children and siblings. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous allocation patterns.

Pastoral care is a significant strength, with a system that ensures every child is known and supported. The recent Outstanding Ofsted rating reflected the high quality of safeguarding and the effective support for pupils' emotional wellbeing. Pupils consistently conduct themselves with exemplary politeness and consideration.

The SENCO leads a dedicated team that works with families to ensure that pupils with additional needs have tailored support. The inclusive nature of the school means that pupils of all abilities are encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of school life. Behaviour is exemplary, with a clear system of rewards and sanctions that pupils view as fair.

Extracurricular life at Leasowes is designed to complement the academic rigour. The school offers a range of clubs that vary by term, including the Choir, which has a strong reputation locally, and various sports teams such as football and netball.

STEM Excellence

STEM is a particular focus, with coding clubs and science projects that encourage pupils to apply their classroom learning to real world problems. The school also makes use of its enviable grounds for Forest School activities, facilitated by trained staff. This outdoor curriculum supports personal development and builds confidence and self-esteem through its Protect Today to Preserve Tomorrow commitment.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Leasowes provides comprehensive wraparound care to support working families through Leasowes Extra. Breakfast club opens at 7:30am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm.

The school is well located for local transport, though parking on Porlock Avenue can be congested at peak times. Many local families choose to walk, which the school encourages through its travel plan.

Fees & Financial Aid

Leasowes Primary School is a state-funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees for pupils from Reception to Year 6.

For the nursery provision, all hours are charged at the local authority Early Education Funding rate, which is currently £5.43 per hour as of 2025. This rate is subject to annual adjustments. Government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours) are available for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. For specific nursery fee details and availability, families should contact the school office directly or visit the school website.

• Admissions Need Early Planning: Reception entry is coordinated through Staffordshire; for September 2027 entry the confirmed deadline is 15 January 2027 and offers are issued on 16 April 2027. Families should check current oversubscription criteria and allocation trends.
• Academic Intensity: The current results remain very strong, with 90% meeting the expected standard and 20% reaching the higher standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined. Most pupils thrive in this environment, but it is a setting that prizes academic progress.
• Forest School Focus: The commitment to outdoor learning is genuine. Families should be prepared for their children to be outside in various weather conditions as part of the Forest School curriculum.

Leasowes Primary School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain a calm and supportive community feel. Its results place it in the top 2% of schools in England, making it an exceptional choice for parents who prioritise high standards. It is best suited to families who want a structured, ambitious education for their children and who live in the immediate vicinity of Baswich and Weeping Cross. The main challenge for parents is undoubtedly securing a place.